AS Monaco back to the top of Ligue 1 with 4-0 win over FC Lorient

AS Monaco surged back to the top of Ligue 1 with a comfortable win over Lorient, thanks to double strikes from Boschilia and Germain.

There was a cagey opening to the game as both teams looked to feel one another out. Despite some intense pressing from Leonardo Jardim’s men, Lorient refused to be overawed and did their best to hold onto the ball, albeit in vain. With 10 minutes gone the Red & Whites stepped up a gear, prompting an avalanche of chances for the home side. Falcao (10 mins) and Germain (12 mins) registered the first efforts of the afternoon, but sent their headers over the top. Valère Germain then found himself with only Lecomte to beat, but the Lorient ‘keeper won the duel (15 mins).

Having been named in the starting line-up by Leonardo Jardim for this match, Boschilia wasted little time in making his mark. Mendy’s cross to the far post was too long for Falcao, but the Columbian did manage to nod the ball back towards Germain, who was beaten to the ball by Lecomte. The goalkeeper’s punch fell to Boschilian however, who reacted instantly to crack home his fifth goal of the season and put AS Monaco in front (24 mins). Four minutes later, Silva picked up possession in the middle and darted forward before laying the ball off to Boschilia just outside the area. The Brazilian unleashed a low first-time shot that caught Lecomte by surprise and nestled in the net. Monaco suddenly had a 2-0 lead (28 mins) thanks to Boschilia’s lightning quick brace.

Lorient were being completely denied time and space as Leonardo Jardim’s men harried them. Falcao took advantage to win the ball on the edge of the box. His shot cannoned back off the woodwork and fell to Germain, who slid an inch-perfect effort past Lecomte and inside the far post (37 mins). AS Monaco were driving home their advantage with 13 shots on goal, while their opponents had yet to register a single effort!

The second half kicked off at breakneck pace, with Falcao seizing on a ball lost by Peybernes in the box but slipping as he shaped to shoot. The Red & Whites were not content with their lead and maintained their first-half momentum. When Sidibé won the ball in an advanced position down the right, the French international found Germain who drove into the box and outpaced Ciani before slotting through the legs of the onrushing Lecomte (59 mins) to claim his seventh goal in Ligue 1 this season.

The Monegasques now have 64 goals in 21 league matches! There was no let-up however, and the live-wire Boschilia came close to a hat-trick from a free-kick some 25 yards out, but sent his effort over the bar. The Brazilian then spurned another opportunity from close to the penalty spot after excellent work from substitute Mbappé, unable to keep his shot down (75 mins).

The match ended 4-0 to AS Monaco, who now lead Nice by two points and PSG by three, ahead of next Sunday’s crucial trip to the Parc des Princes. In between, there is the small matter of a Coupe de la Ligue semi against Nancy on Wednesday (21.00), when the Red & Whites will go in search of a place in the final!